Part three of the Interview Type series includes information on an often forgotten interview-the telephone interview. Candidates either do very well during a phone interview when they build a personal connection with the recruiter or they fall flat on their face. Often times this occurs when the candidate doesn't take either of the interview described below seriously.
Telephone Interview
- Many organizations will conduct interviews by telephone to narrow a field of candidates. I use phone interviews to prescreen all my candidates.
- Telephone interviews may also be used as a preliminary interview for candidates who live far away from the job site.
- It is important to treat this interview as you would a face-to-face connection. Arrange for a quiet space and time to schedule the conversation. Clear a work surface to minimize distractions.
- Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer. Since your voice is key, convey energy with inflection in your voice.
- Have a copy of your resume nearby as a reference.
- Avoid using a phone with call waiting. You do not want to be interrupted during an interview.
Group Interview
- A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with customers.
- The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion type interview. A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion.
- The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use your knowledge and reasoning to influence others.
- I have used a group interview in a retail setting. A portion of the interview including a sales pitch to promote the retail store's credit card.
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